The annual Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon was held yesterday, May 19th, at the Monkey Bar in downtown Amherst. Parent Council wishes to thank event coordinators Suzanne Schilling and Catalina Arrubla for all their hard work in making this event a huge success!
Thanks to all Fort River parents/guardians who made extra donations to help pay for the luncheon, which is one of Parent Council's biggest events of the year. Thanks also to Peter Wood who "passed the hat" during the International Fair. And thanks to all those who donated flowers for centerpieces!
Catalina Arrubla reported the following information about the luncheon:
The event was fantastic and went smoothly. There were about 65 people in attendance. They loved the room at the Monkey Bar, which was cozy, and everyone could talk to each other comfortably. They told me they like to be together away from Fort River and the place was perfect. They also liked the food.Thanks to Sue Borden for the pictures!
They loved the flowers, the cards, and the gratitude wall. I read some of the cards and received “oohs” and “wows” and many good laughs.
Ray Sharick acknowledged some faculty and staff and used some of the children's writing to describe how fantastic they are and how grateful we feel for all that they do at Fort River.
They said goodbye to retiring teacher Liliana Klass, who received a beautiful bouquet of flowers. People expressed their love and told stories about her time at Fort River. A staff member played the violin in her honor.
A woodwind quintet of kids from ARMS and ARHS (the bassoonist is a Fort River former student) performed two pieces at the conclusion of the event.
The flowers that were donated were given to the teachers and staff who are leaving Fort River.
Everybody expressed their pleasure and gratitude to the FR Parent Council for this wonderful event.
The gratitude wall and some of the cards made by the kids will be on display at the faculty room.